Oli baby names of 2026, according to BabyCenter’s newly released rankings
The annual list, released Oct. 20, highlights the names parents are choosing this year, along with emerging trends influenced by pop culture, classic names and changing preferences.
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BabyCenter’s rankings are based on its proprietary data from more than 350,000 babies born in 2026 to parents registered on its app. Unlike the Social Security Administration’s annual rankings, BabyCenter collects names in real time, offering an early look at changing baby-name trends.
Oline of the biggest moves in this year’s rankings, jumping from No. 7 in 2025 to No. 2
Here are BabyCenter’s top 10 girl names for 2026:
- Olivia
- Eliana
- Amelia
- Charlotte
- Sophia
- Isabella
- Emma
- Aurora
- Evelyn
- Mia
Evelyn returned to the top 10 after falling out of the rankings in 2024. Meanwhile, Ellie dropped to No. 11.
Magnolia also gained attention, entering the top 100 for the first time at No. 88.
Noah remains the most popular name for boys, followed by Liam and Oliver. The top five names have remained unchanged for the third consecutive year.
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Here are BabyCenter’s top 10 boy names for 2026:
- Noah
- Liam
- Oliver
- Elijah
- Mateo
- Lucas
- Elias
- Levi
- Ezra
- Leo
Elias climbed eight spots to reach No. 7, marking its first appearance in the top 10. Leo also returned to the top 10 after dropping off last year.
Other names making moves include Milo, Stetson, Archer and Dean, which entered the top 100. Dean landed at No. 100, marking its first appearance in the top 100 this century, according to BabyCenter’s rankings.
BabyCenter’s latest rankings point to several trends among parents choosing names for their children.
Names beginning with E are particularly popular for girls, accounting for 15% of the top 100 girl names. For boys, J is the most popular starting letter, representing 14% of the top 100.
Longer names are also gaining traction. Nearly one-third of the top 100 names for both boys and girls contain at least seven letters.
Pop culture is another influence. BabyCenter identified growing interest in names connected to hockey-themed television dramas, Greek mythology and Western-inspired entertainment.
Names such as Atlas, Orion, Iris and Daphne are gaining attention, while Western-style names such as Stetson, Walker and Wilder are also trending.
Some longtime favorites, however, are losing ground. Leah and Brooklyn fell out of the top 100 among girls, while Christian and Ryan dropped out of the boys’ top 100.
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